Marvellous markets, ice skating, winter wonderlands, light trails, fabulous family-friendly theatre shows, and much more - discover unmissable Christmas events and things to do in Bath over the festive period...
1. Stay the Night
With so much to see and do in Bath at Christmas, you'll need more than a flying visit!
Accommodation in the city ranges from charming self-catering properties to luxury spa hotels, many of which offer lavish Christmas packages to help you have an extra special stay over the festive season. Hotel packages include The Royal Crescent Hotel's spectacular "Christmas at the Crescent," featuring full spa access alongside a festive afternoon tea, Champagne reception, and five-course Christmas lunch, as well as The Bath Priory's opulent "Christmas Retreat," where you'll enjoy fabulous food and drink treats in the tranquil surroundings of the Georgian house and its four acres of beautiful landscaped gardens.
You'll also find Christmas packages at The Gainsborough Bath Spa and Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel, in addition to those at high-end accommodation options outside the city centre such as Lucknam Park and Homewood, among many others.
Image: The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, credit Stuff Creative Studio & Adam Gasson
2. Explore the Christmas Markets
The festive chalets are back lining the historic city centre streets, as the award-winning Bath Christmas Market makes a welcome return for 18 days of shopping, eating and more from 28 November to 15 December. Browse over 230 chalets selling a variety of local, handmade produce including artisan foodie treats, bespoke jewellery, homeware, and accessories among many others. What's more, the fun doesn't end after the market concludes, with the beloved Victorian Christmas carousel returning from 19 December - 5 January!
After you’ve finished making your way around Bath Christmas Market, head to the Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution's own festive market on Queen Square. Here, you'll find even more local makers selling their wares, with stalls changing every few days to ensure that there's always something new to see. Further west, the annual special Christmas edition of the Bath Independent Market will take over Green Park Station on Sunday 15 December, where you can expect art, design, jewellery, eco-friendly gifts, superb local drinks and live music, among many other treats!
Don't forget to check out the many fabulous independent shops and retailers across the city while you're here, from delicate silver creations at Icarus Jewellery, to the finest local beers and spirits at Independent Spirit of Bath, and handblown glassware at Bath Aqua Glass.
Image: Bath Christmas Market, credit Stuff Creative Studio & Adam Gasson
3. Book a memorable experience
From wine tasting to comedy shows in the city's top restaurants, Yuup Bath have plenty of ways to keep you busy this winter! Try your hand at bauble crafting, pottery painting, gin blending, or even sheep herding! These experiences also make the perfect Christmas present, so nab your loved ones a voucher for an experience to remember.
Image: Yuup
4. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
Seek out delectable festive dishes and treats at Bath’s restaurants and cafes, many of which have special seasonal menus running throughout December and through to the new year.
Sink your teeth into sumptuous seasonal dishes by candlelight at Green Park Brasserie and award-winning pizza on the heated outdoor terraces of neighbouring sister business Bath Pizza Co, accompanied by live jazz, funk, soul and swing music four nights a week. Don't miss Upstairs at Bath Pizza Co in the station loft, a newly opened speakeasy-style bar and kitchen, offering another cosy space to celebrate the season. Immerse yourself in the buzzing atmosphere of both venues, and make festive memories you'll never forget with friends and family.
Image: Green Park Brasserie & Bath Pizza Co, credit Stuff Creative Studio & Adam Gasson
No trip to Bath would be complete without an afternoon tea, and every Christmas, venues across the city serve up delightful festive twists on the classic. Some of our favourites include The Ivy Bath Brasserie, Montagu's Mews, The Roseate Villa, and The Francis Hotel. The Abbey Hotel will also be serving their own festive afternoon tea at their annual ski bar pop-up alongside a range of other indulgent treats and tipples, including seasonal cocktails, sharing boards, Camembert loaves, Highlander burgers, and many more.
Book a meal with friends and family in one of The Bird's festive igloos, and step into a world of Christmas culinary delights surrounded by stunning views of the glittering Bath skyline. Or head to one of the city's other luxurious boutique hotels for more mouth-watering festive food options, from two or three-course French-inspired menus at the Hotel Indigo's Brasserie Beau restaurant to a seven-course "Taste of the Season" tasting menu at The Queensberry Hotel's Michelin-starred Olive Tree Restaurant.
Image: The Bird's Festive Igloos, credit Stuff Creative Studio & Adam Gasson
5. See a pantomime at Theatre Royal Bath
For festive frivolity at its finest, book tickets for the Theatre Royal's fabulous family-friendly annual panto, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, from 12 December - 12 January. This year's show is written by Jon Monie, who stars alongside fellow Bath favourite Nick Wilton and award-winning panto performer Olivia Birchenough, among many others. Expect a hilarious new rendition of the classic rags-to-riches tale, as Snow White vanquishes her horrid stepmother, the Wicked Queen, with the help of her madcap friends and handsome Prince.
Image: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Theatre Royal Bath
6. Learn about Saturnalia at The Roman Baths
There's plenty of festive fun to be had at The Roman Baths this Christmas. Young history hunters can learn more about the Roman holiday of Saturnalia with a special trail through the museum, where you'll find out how the Romans enjoyed holiday time, gift giving, and decorating. Meanwhile, adults can stop by the pop-up bar alongside the Great Bath, which will be serving a selection of drinks including hot chocolate, mulled wine, spiced apple, Champagne and more. Other highlights include a family crafting session on 14 December, where young visitors can create their own Roman-inspired Christmas decorations, and the on-site shop, which will be fully stocked with fabulous festive gifts.
Image: The Roman Baths, credit Stuff Creative Studio & Adam Gasson
7. Meet Father Christmas at Milsom Place
Milsom Place is home to Father Christmas' Grotto this Christmas, so be sure to visit for an interactive festive experience the family won't forget! Much more than your usual Grotto, you'll first help the elves wake Father Christmas and hear a story about how they plan to make this Christmas the best ever, then meet the man himself and receive your very own gift.
Image: Bath Abbey, credit Stuff Creative Studio & Adam Gasson
8. Follow a Magical Light Trail
See Bath’s most iconic streets and buildings in a whole new light, as magical illuminations take over the city from 23 November until early January. Following the trail is the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere of Bath at Christmas.
Just outside the city, the woodlands of Westonbirt Arboretum will be lit up in spectacular fashion, with sparkling lights, festive sounds and dazzling installations. Follow the illuminated trail through the trees on a magical, after-dark adventure. The trail is open from 29 November - 31 December, with relaxed sessions available every Saturday between 30 November and 14 December.
Image: Westonbirt Arboretum
Sticking with the outdoor theme, Bath's beautiful National Trust properties and gardens have a range of festive activities and trails running throughout the Christmas period. Discover the 12 days of Christmas on Prior Park Landscape Garden's advent trail, with interpretations of the classic carol's lines hidden throughout the grounds, as well as a chance to see the stunning Palladian bridge dressed for Christmas.
North of the city at Dyrham Park, you'll find Christmas trees adorned with golden pears and a reindeer discovery trail in the grounds, as well as choirs performing in the nearby church of St Peter. Inside the house, festive decorations from through the ages await - you'll start in the Tudor era, then travel through time to the 20th century as you move through the building.
Experience another stunning illuminated trail in the beautiful grounds of Stourhead to the south of Bath, and try your hand at lino printing in a three-hour workshop with an expert, ensuring that you have the most impressive cards and wrapping paper this Christmas. Kids will also love 'Storytime with Father Christmas,' where they can enjoy some festive crafting, galloping with a hobby reindeer, and snuggling up for a story from Father Christmas.
Nearby at Longleat, the annual Festival of Light returns with more life-size lanterns than ever before. Follow the trail on a journey through time, where you'll marvel at scenes themed on the Ice Age, Vikings, ancient dynasties, monarchs, and many more along the way.
Image: Festival of Light at Longleat
9. Skate at Bath on Ice
Bath’s favourite ice rink Bath on Ice (open until 5 January) returns to Victoria Park with 1000 square meters of smooth ice, a glowing array of atmospheric lights with music to set the wintery scene, and a cosy alpine bar area with seasonal drinks to transport you to a dreamy winter wonderland. After taking a spin on the rink, why not keep the fun going with a round of Glow Golf next door on the Victoria Falls course, adorned with festive fairy lights?
Image: Bath on Ice
10. Explore a Winter Wonderland
Enjoy three Christmas experiences for the price of one at Wookey Hole's Winter Wonderland. See over 100,000 lights transform the caves into an enchanting underground adventure land before visiting Santa's North Pole Grotto, where every child will get to meet the man himself and take home a present. Families can also enjoy a spectacular festive themed show in the on-site circus. Plus, another very special guest will be arriving at Wookey after Christmas - take a look at our roundup of things to do in Bath this Twixmas for the details!
Image: Wookey Hole
Head to a winter wonderland of a different kind at the American Museum & Gardens, where the Georgian manor house will be festooned with beautiful decorations. Get the perfect Christmas family photo in front of the stunning 18-foot tree bedecked with thousands of lights and artisan decorations, follow a dog trail around the grounds, enjoy festive crafting sessions and storytelling performances on weekends throughout November and December, and savour festive food in the on-site Deli.
11. Meet the Christmas characters at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park
The Christmas experience at Avon Valley promises to be one of the most magical in the region. Enjoy a Santa show, visit Santa's cabin and toy factory, help Mrs Claus decorate her gingerbread people, wander the magical forest, and much more. And, as if that wasn't enough, there's an opportunity to add to your trip with tickets to the Christmas Nights Light Trail and festive ice skating.
Image: Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park
12. Experience a Georgian Christmas at No.1 Royal Crescent
Experience the traditions and celebrations of a Georgian Christmas as the immersive experience at No.1 Royal Crescent returns from 16 November to 5 January. Wander the rooms, which will be dressed as they would have been during Christmases in the late eighteenth century.
Image: 12 Tales of a Georgian Christmas at No. 1 Royal Crescent
13. Unwrap 'The Gift' at Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein
Will you unwrap 'The Gift' at Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein this Christmas? In this special festive puzzle-based challenge, you'll have just 45 minutes to crack The Gift's dark secret and work out where you fit in to the ghastly tale. You'll be joined on your quest by your very own Gothic Elf helper, and treated to a festive drink to calm your nerves. There's also the chance to explore the main attraction, telling the compelling story of former Bath resident Mary Shelley across four floors, take on the challenge of the Victor's Lair and Shallows escape rooms, and find the perfect Christmas gift for Franken-fans in the on-site shop.
Image - The Gift at Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein
14. Laugh and Dance the Night Away at Komedia Bath
Komedia Bath is spreading Christmas cheer with special editions of its popular Krater Comedy Club standup shows every Saturday from 30 November - 21 December. Expect all-star comedy lineups including everyone from audience favourites Javier Jarquin and Sally Anne Hayward to the appropriately named local legend Jarred Christmas and Live at the Apollo star Laura Lexx, with an optional two or three-course meal on the side. Each show will be immediately followed by 'The Big Christmas Disco,' a festive edition of Komedia's 'The Big Disco' club night, serving up all of your guilty Christmas pleasures and other pop classics all night long!
Image: Komedia
15. Head out on a festive tour
Go for a Christmas adventure with a day tour from Bath. Experience the yuletide magic of England on In & Beyond Bath's 'Christmas Lights & Festive Delights' tour, where you'll discover the cobbled streets and quirky independent shops of Frome before taking in the spectacular sights of Longleat's Festival of Light, followed by an exquisite festive dining experience.
Rabbie's Tours, Bath Insider Tours, Galahad Tours, and are all operating their usual day tours from Bath. Discover destinations including Stonehenge, the Cotswolds, Somerset villages, and many more! Or, go self-guided and explore Bath's beautiful surrounding towns and villages by train with GWR. Railcard holders enjoy 1/3 off the price of standard off-peak fares, as do groups of three or more with GWR's 'GroupSave' discount.
Image: GWR, credit Stuff Creative Studio & Adam Gasson
Discover more ways to enjoy #BathAtChristmas:
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